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Rigetti and HPE launching hybrid quantum-classical HPC testbed via Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center; superconducting gate speed (60ns) positioned as 1,000-10,000x faster than trapped-ion alternatives
Subodh Kulkarni· Rigetti Computing· Quantum· 2026-08-13· about Rigetti Computing, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (RGTI, HPE)
“Rigetti will deliver a 9-qubit Novera quantum computing system into PSC's new TangleLab test bed... we are using superconducting gate technology, we have a huge benefit in terms of speed. Our gate speeds are in the 50 nanosecond, 60 nanosecond range, which are roughly 1,000x to 10,000x faster than trapped Ion or atoms or other modalities.”
Why it matters
First commercially-integrated hybrid quantum-classical HPC system demonstrates practical quantum advantage pathway for enterprise workloads. Superconducting speed advantage over trapped-ion and neutral-atom competitors directly impacts real-world algorithm performance and user adoption potential.
Investment implication
HPE gains early-mover position in quantum-enhanced HPC market, a new beachhead for server and software integration revenue. This partnership validates superconducting modality over trapped-ion (IonQ, Honeywell) for data center integration, tilting competitive landscape toward Rigetti and against ion-trap vendors. Investors should monitor PSC deployment outcomes (2027) as proof-of-concept for broader HPC market adoption.